<p>We get this question so much. “I just can’t possibly write in a number for how much my home is worth!!! How would I know???” Baloney. Most heads of household can estimate pretty accurately what their real estate is worth at any time. It is just one of those things you know. </p>
<p>Also, any real estate agent in your neighborhood will be glad to give you an estimate of value (what they think it would sell for in a reasonable time) on the back of their business card. There are dozens near everyone, without much to do right now. Get 10 estimates and take the lowest one. Or toss out the lowest and highest and average the middle eight. Whatever lets you sleep at night.</p>
<p>Last resort, if you really are totally clueless, get an appraisal! For a couple hundred bucks, or maybe a little more, you can get a certified appraisal, just like banks use to make you a loan. Then you know what the property is worth, from an expert.</p>
<p>Now, it is absolutely true that real estate is in a correction mode in most markets right now. That does not change that for Profile you put in the estimated value as of the moment you sign and file the form. I am not sure why this question is coming up right now at this time of year, but it could not hurt to wait a while before doing the Profile if it is not really due yet.</p>